System and method for optical state determination

ABSTRACT

A data processing device includes an internal volume that is electromagnetic interference (EMI) isolated and an optical state detector. The optical state detector obtains electromagnetic radiation from the internal volume while the internal volume is EMI isolated and makes a determination that a device disposed in the internal volume has an optical state associated with the electromagnetic radiation.

BACKGROUND

High density environment may include devices that are tightly packedtogether. In other words, the devices may be physically close to eachother. Such an environment presents numerous challenges relating tothermal management, mechanical positioning and orienting of devices, andelectrical concerns related to power and operation of such devices.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a data processing device in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention includes an internal volume that iselectromagnetic interference (EMI) isolated and an optical statedetector. The optical state detector obtains electromagnetic radiationfrom the internal volume while the internal volume is EMI isolated andmakes a determination that a device disposed in the internal volume hasan optical state associated with the electromagnetic radiation.

In one aspect, a method for managing electromagnetic interference (EMI)in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention includesobtaining electromagnetic radiation from a device, disposed in aninternal volume of a data processing device, while the internal volumeis EMI isolated and after the device performs a function; making adetermination that the device disposed in the internal volume has anoptical state associated with the electromagnetic radiation; andperforming a first action set based on the determination. Theelectromagnetic radiation is obtained through a boundary of the internalvolume.

In one aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention includes instructions thatwhen executed by a data processing device cause the data processingdevice to perform a method for managing electromagnetic interference(EMI), the method includes obtaining electromagnetic radiation from adevice, disposed in an internal volume of a data processing device,while the internal volume is EMI isolated and after the device performsa function; making a determination that the device disposed in theinternal volume has an optical state associated with the electromagneticradiation; and performing a first action set based on the determination.The electromagnetic radiation is obtained through a boundary of theinternal volume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings illustrateonly certain aspects or implementations of the invention by way ofexample and are not meant to limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1.1 shows a diagram of an example system in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1.2 shows a diagram of the example system of FIG. 1.1 in a firstconfiguration in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 1.3 shows a diagram of the example system of FIG. 1.1 in a secondconfiguration in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2.1 shows a diagram of a second data processing device inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2.2 shows a first cross section diagram of the data processingdevice of FIG. 2.1.

FIG. 2.3 shows a second cross section diagram of the data processingdevice of FIG. 2.1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2.4 shows a diagram of an optical state detector in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2.5 shows a third cross section diagram of the data processingdevice of FIG. 2.1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2.6 shows a fourth cross section diagram of the data processingdevice of FIG. 2.1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2.7 shows a fifth cross section diagram of the data processingdevice of FIG. 2.1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method of managing devices disposed in adata processing device in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 4.1 shows a diagram of an example system.

FIG. 4.2 shows a diagram of actions performed by the example system ofFIG. 4.1.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a computing device in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to theaccompanying figures. In the following description, numerous details areset forth as examples of the invention. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that one or more embodiments of the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details and that numerousvariations or modifications may be possible without departing from thescope of the invention. Certain details known to those of ordinary skillin the art are omitted to avoid obscuring the description.

In the following description of the figures, any component describedwith regard to a figure, in various embodiments of the invention, may beequivalent to one or more like-named components described with regard toany other figure. For brevity, descriptions of these components will notbe repeated with regard to each figure. Thus, each and every embodimentof the components of each figure is incorporated by reference andassumed to be optionally present within every other figure having one ormore like-named components. Additionally, in accordance with variousembodiments of the invention, any description of the components of afigure is to be interpreted as an optional embodiment, which may beimplemented in addition to, in conjunction with, or in place of theembodiments described with regard to a corresponding like-namedcomponent in any other figure.

In general, embodiments of the invention relate to systems, devices, andmethods for managing electromagnetic interference in a high-densityenvironment. Specifically, embodiments of the invention may provide asystem that manages electromagnetic interference at a data processingdevice level. By doing so, embodiments of the invention may facilitatethe inclusion of electromagnetic interference emitting devices in ahigh-density environment while mitigating the impact of electromagneticinterference generated by the electromagnetic interference emittingdevices.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a data processing deviceincludes an optical state detector. The optical state detector mayenable optical states of devices disposed in a data processing device tobe determined while the electromagnetic interference generated by suchdevices is contained within the data processing device. The opticalstates may be used to improve the accuracy of operational statedeterminations of the data processing devices when compared todetermination of operational states made without optical stateinformation for the devices.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the operational states ofthe devices disposed in the data processing device is used to determinefuture actions to be performed by the devices. For example, theoperational states of the devices may be used to determine whether torepeatedly invoke functionality of the devices or to invoke differentfunctionalities of the devices. The operational states of the devicesmay be used for other purposes without departing from the invention.

FIG. 1.1 shows an example system in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention. The system may include a frame (100) andany number of data processing devices (102). The components of theexample system may provide electromagnetic interference managementservices for devices disposed within the data processing devices (102).By doing so, devices that emit electromagnetic interference may beutilized in a high-density computing environment without negativelyimpacting the high-density computing environment.

For example, one or more electromagnetic interference emitting devicesmay be disposed within one or more of the data processing devices (102).The system illustrated in FIG. 1.1 may manage the electromagneticinterference generated by the one or more electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices by (i) limiting the space in which electromagneticinterference is allowed to freely propagate and/or (ii) attenuating theelectromagnetic interference as it propagates out of the limited space.

To do so, the system of FIG. 1.1 may reduce the strength of theelectromagnetic interference when propagating from inside of a portionof the data processing devices (102) to an ambient environment (or otherportions of the data processing devices (102)) around the dataprocessing devices (102) and/or other locations by at least 90 decibels.

For example, a data processing device in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention may provide greater than 35 decibels of isolation, between35-50 decibels of isolation, between 50-65 decibels of isolation,between 65-80 decibels of isolation, and/or greater than 80 decibels ofisolation.

The electromagnetic interference isolation provided by the dataprocessing devices (102) may have a frequency dependent response. Forexample, the data processing devices (102) may provide at least 90decibels (dB), or another suitable level of isolation, across afrequency band in which devices that may be disposed within the dataprocessing devices (102) are adapted to emit electromagneticinterference. In other frequency bands, the data processing devices(102) may provide different level or no electromagnetic interferenceisolation for devices disposed within the data processing devices (102).

Accordingly, a data processing device in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention may provide electromagnetic interferencesuppression services that are frequency dependent. In one or moreembodiments of the invention, a data processing device provideselectromagnetic interference isolation by reducing the strength ofelectromagnetic interference across at least one frequency band by apredetermined amount (e.g., 90 decibels).

An electromagnetic interference emitting device may be any type ofhardware device that intentionally emits electromagnetic radiation aspart of its operation. The emissions of electromagnetic radiation maybe, for example, continuous, periodic, or intermittent (e.g., at anypoint in time based on the operation of the respective electromagneticinterference emitting device). An electromagnetic interference emittingdevice may be, for example, a personal electronic device such as acellular device (e.g., smart phone, cell phone, etc.), a personalcomputer (e.g., any type of computing device with wireless communicationcapabilities such as a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.), awatch (e.g., a wireless smart watch), or any other type of hardwaredevice that intentionally emits electromagnetic radiation for anypurpose (e.g., communications, detection, etc.).

The electromagnetic interference emitted by an electromagneticinterference emitting device may be frequency dependent. That is, theelectromagnetic interference emitted by the electromagnetic interferenceemitting device may be stronger in a first frequency band and weaker ina second frequency band. To provide electromagnetic interferencesuppression services, a data processing device in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention may attenuate the electromagneticinterference emitted by an electromagnetic interference emitting deviceby at least a predetermined amount (e.g., 80 decibels) across at leastone frequency band in which the electromagnetic interference emittingdevice emits electromagnetic interference. The at least one frequencyband may be, for example, the frequency band in which the emittedelectromagnetic interference has a largest magnitude.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, an electromagneticinterference emitting device emits electromagnetic interference havingfrequency content between 700 megahertz and 10 gigahertz. Anelectromagnetic interference emitting device may emit electromagneticinterference having different frequency content without departing fromthe invention.

Additionally, the example system of FIG. 1.1 may provide optical statemonitoring services for devices disposed within the data processingdevices (102). The optical state monitoring services may be provided tothe devices while the devices are electromagnetically isolated fromother devices by being disposed inside of the data processing devices(102). By monitoring the optical states of the devices, other stateinformation (e.g., operating state of the devices) may be determinedbased on the monitored optical states of the devices. For additionaldetails regarding components of the system that may facilitate theoptical state monitoring services, refer to FIGS. 2.3-2.7.

To further discuss aspects of embodiments of the disclosed technology,each component of the system of FIG. 1.1 is discussed below.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the frame (100) is aphysical structure. The physical structure may be adapted to facilitatestorage of the data processing devices (102) in a high-density computingenvironment. The high-density computing environment may be, for example,a data center or another type of location where multiple data processingdevices are located. To facilitate storage of the data processingdevices (102), the frame (100) may include any number of structuralmembers (e.g., beams, brackets, bars, etc.) and any number of mechanicalmounting points (e.g., holes, threaded portions, etc.) disposed on thestructural members to facilitate storage of the data processing devices(102).

Different structural members may have different shapes, sizes, and/orother physical characteristics. The shapes, sizes, and/or other physicalcharacteristics of the structural members may be adapted to enable thestructural members to be mechanically connected (e.g., permanently orreversibly connected) to each other to form a predetermined structure.The predetermined structure may be, for example, a cage, box, or othertype of structure that facilitates positioning and/or orienting the dataprocessing devices (102).

When all, or a portion, of the structural members are mechanicallyconnected to each other, the mechanical mounting points may be disposedat predetermined locations. The predetermined locations may correspondto similar predetermination locations on the data processing devices(102) where mechanical mounting elements, complementary to themechanical mounting point, are disposed. By doing so, the frame (100)and the data processing devices (102) may be adapted to position thedata processing devices (102) in locations and/or orientationscompatible with a high-density computing environment, or anotherenvironment in which the data processing devices (102) may be located.

The mechanical mounting points may be any type of physical structure forattaching (permanently or reversibly) the data processing devices (102)to the frame (100). There may be any number of mechanical mountingpoints to facilitate the attachment of any number of data processingdevices.

The frame (100) may be implemented using any number of suitablematerials. For example, portions of the frame (100) may be implementedusing metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.). In another example, portionsof the frame (100) may be implemented using polymers (e.g., Polyamides,polycarbonates, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,acrylonitriline butadiene styrene, etc.). In a still further example,portions of the frame (100) may be implemented using rubber (e.g.,latex, styrene-butadiene rubbers, etc.) The frame (100) may beimplemented using any quantity and combination of suitable materialswithout departing from the invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the data processing devices(102) are physical structures. For example, the data processing devices(102) may include a chassis and one or more computing devices disposedwithin the chassis. For additional details regarding computing devices,refer to FIG. 5.

A chassis may be a mechanical device that is adapted to (i) facilitateattachment of the data processing device to the frame, (ii) house theone or more computing devices, (iii) house one or more electromagneticinterference emitting devices, and/or (iv) provide thermal managementservices to the computing devices and/or the electromagneticinterference emitting devices. For example, a chassis may be a framemountable structure (e.g., a rectangular box) that includes internalspace that may be used to house computing devices and/or electromagneticinterference emitting devices. Thus, the chassis may be a framemountable chassis.

The chassis may be implemented using any number of suitable materials.For example, portions of the chassis may be implemented using metals(e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.). In another example, portions of thechassis may be implemented using polymers (e.g., Polyamides,polycarbonates, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,acrylonitriline butadiene styrene, etc.). In a still further example,portions of the chassis may be implemented using rubber (e.g., latex,styrene-butadiene rubbers, etc.) The chassis may be implemented usingany quantity and combination of suitable materials without departingfrom the invention.

To facilitate attachment of the data processing device to the frame, thechassis may include any number of mechanical mounting elements. Themechanical mounting elements may be located at predetermined locations.The predetermined locations may correspond to similar predeterminationlocations on the frame (100) where mechanical mounting points,complementary to the mechanical mounting elements, are disposed.

For example, a mechanical mounting element may be a rail disposed on aside of a chassis of a data processing device. The location of the railmay correspond to a position on the frame (100) where a rail guide(i.e., a complementary mechanical mounting point) is disposed. The railand the rail guide may facilitate attachment of a data processing deviceto the frame (100) which, in turn, positions and orients the dataprocessing device relative to the frame (100).

To house the one or more computing devices, the chassis may include oneor more internal volumes. The internal volumes may facilitate disposingof the one or more computing devices (and/or other devices such aselectromagnetic interference emitting devices) within a data processingdevice.

To house the one or more electromagnetic interference emitting devices,the chassis may include one or more internal volumes (e.g., separateand/or the same as the internal volumes for housing computing devices).The internal volumes may have a shape or other characteristic(s) thatfacilitates disposing of the one or more electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices within the data processing device. For example, aninternal volume of the chassis may be a rectangular void capable ofhousing one or more electromagnetic interference emitting devices. Theinternal volume may have other shapes without departing from theinvention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the one or more internalvolumes of the data processing devices are adapted to restrictpropagation of electromagnetic interference emitted by theelectromagnetic interference emitting devices (and/or other devices suchas computing devices). For example, one or more portions of the chassisthat bound the one or more internal volumes may be made of metal of apredetermined thickness to prevent and/or limit transmission ofelectromagnetic interference through the one or more portions of thechassis. By doing so, the electromagnetic interference generated by theelectromagnetic interference emitting devices may be prevented (or atleast severely attenuated when leaving an internal volume) frompropagating from within the data processing devices (102) into theambient environment surrounding the respective data processing devices(102) (and/or restricted from propagating to other portions of the dataprocessing devices).

In another example, one or more portions of the chassis that bound theone or more internal regions may be formed in a manner that filters(e.g., reflects/attenuates radiation of a certain frequency whileallowing radiation of other frequencies to propagate) electromagneticradiation when electromagnetic radiation passes through the portions ofthe chassis. For example, a portion of the chassis that bounds the oneor more internal regions may be a waveguide filter such as an array ofholes (e.g., sub-wavelength apertures corresponding to a particularfrequency) in a metal sheet. By doing so, the electromagneticinterference generated by the electromagnetic interference emittingdevices may be severely attenuated (e.g., attenuated by greater than 90decibels) when propagating from within the data processing devices (102)into the ambient environment surrounding the respective data processingdevices (102) (and/or restricted from propagating to other portions ofthe data processing devices).

In a further example, one or more portions of the chassis that bound theone or more internal regions may be made of an electromagnetic radiationattenuating material of a predetermined thickness to prevent and/orlimit transmission of electromagnetic interference through the one ormore portions of the chassis. The electromagnetic radiation attenuatingmaterial may be, for example, a composite of plastic or rubber thatincludes particulates of iron, carbonyl iron, or otherelectromagnetically lossy material. By doing so, the electromagneticinterference generated by the electromagnetic interference emittingdevices may be severely attenuated (e.g., attenuated by greater than 90decibels) when propagating from within the data processing devices (102)into the ambient environment surrounding the respective data processingdevices (102) (and/or restricted from propagating to other portions ofthe data processing devices).

To provide thermal management services to the computing devices and/orthe electromagnetic interference emitting devices and/or other types ofdevices, the data processing devices (102) may facilitate the flow ofgas proximate to the computing devices and/or electromagneticinterference emitting devices. By doing so, the thermal state (i.e.,temperature) of the aforementioned devices may be regulated. The gas maybe air or another type/combination of gasses obtained from any source.

For example, a data processing device may include one or more vents thatenable gas from a first side of a data processing device to flow intothe data processing device, through the data processing device, and outof a second side of the data processing device. The gas, flowing throughthe data processing device, may be at a different temperature than thecomputing devices and/or electromagnetic interference emitting devices.Consequently, thermal exchange between the flow of gas and theaforementioned devices may occur resulting in the temperature of theaforementioned devices changing. By doing so, heat generated by theaforementioned devices may be expelled from the devices therebyregulating the temperature of the aforementioned devices.

A system in accordance with embodiments of the invention may include anynumber of data processing devices. Different data processing devices(102) may have different configurations and/or uses within the system.

For example, some data processing devices may be adapted to house manyelectromagnetic interference emitting devices while other dataprocessing devices may be primarily adapted to house computing devices.Additional data processing devices may be adapted to exclusively housedata processing devices and no electromagnetic interference emittingdevices. A system in accordance with embodiments of the invention mayinclude any number and combination of data processing devices adaptedfor any number of different uses without departing from the invention.

By way of example, the system of FIG. 1.1 may include a first dataprocessing device (104). The first data processing device (104) may beof a larger size than a second data processing device (106) and,consequently, may be capable of housing a larger number ofelectromagnetic interference emitting devices and/or other types ofdevices. The system of FIG. 1.1 may further include a third dataprocessing device (108). In contrast to the first data processing device(104) and the second data processing device (106), the internalstructure of the third data processing device (108) may be adapted toonly housing computing devices rather than electromagnetic interferencegenerating devices.

For additional details regarding data processing devices, refer to FIGS.2.1-2.7.

As discussed above, data processing devices (102) may houseelectromagnetic interference emitting devices. When so housed, theelectromagnetic interference emitting devices may operate therebygenerating electromagnetic interference (e.g., electromagneticradiation). At different points in time, it may be useful to add orremove electromagnetic interference emitting devices to or from the dataprocessing devices (102). To facilitate such additions and/or removals,different portions of the data processing devices (102) may be adaptedto reversibly provide access to the internal volumes of the dataprocessing devices.

For example, the different portions of the data processing devices (102)may be adapted to rotate, translate, or otherwise move with respect tothe remaining portions of the data processing devices (102). When thedifferent portions of the data processing devices (102) are in a firstpredetermination position and/or orientation, they mayelectromagnetically seal one or more internal volumes of the dataprocessing devices (102). That is, they may limit the extent to whichelectromagnetic radiation within the internal volumes is able topropagate to an ambient environment. However, when the differentportions of the data processing devices (102) are rotated, translated,and/or otherwise moved to a second predetermined position and/ororientation to enable access to the internal volumes, the dataprocessing devices (102) may not be electromagnetically sealed.Consequently, electromagnetic radiation within the internal volumes maybe less limited by the data processing devices (102) to propagate intothe ambient environment when access to the internal volumes is provided.

The data processing devices (102) may include hinges, slides, knobs,and/or other mechanical devices that facilitate movement of thedifferent portions of the data processing devices (102) to reversiblyreconfigure the data processing devices (102) between states whereaccess (i.e., physical accessibility) to the internal volumes of thedata processing devices (102) is provided and states where access to theinternal volumes of the data processing devices (102) is not provided.FIGS. 1.2-1.3 show diagrams of the data processing devices (102)facilitating the addition, modification, and/or removal ofelectromagnetic interference emitting devices from the internal volumesof the data processing devices (102).

While the system of FIG. 1.1 has been illustrated as including a limitednumber of components, a system in accordance with embodiments of theinvention may include any number of frames, data processing devices,and/or other components without departing from the invention. Forexample, any number of frames (and/or other types of physical devicesfor positioning/orienting devices) may be used in a high densitycomputing environment to facilitate the placement and/or orientation ofany number of data processing devices. Further, the frames may be usedto position and/or orient other types of devices. The other types ofdevices may be, for examples, servers, storage nodes, compute nodes,communication devices (e.g., switches, routers, etc. for facilitatingcommunications between any number of devices and/or devices external toa high density computing environment), or any other type of device thatmay be used in a computing environment (e.g., data center, computingnodes, communications center, etc.). Thus, the frame and data processingdevices may be used in conjunction with any number and/or type of otherdevice without departing from the invention.

FIG. 1.2 shows a diagram of the example system of FIG. 1.1 in aconfiguration (i.e., after a reconfiguration from the configurationillustrated in FIG. 1.1) where a front vent (110) of the first dataprocessing device (104) has been opened. The front vent (110) may beopened by physically rotating and/or translating the front vent (110) tomove the front vent (110) to a new physical location. By opening thefront vent (110), physical access to internal volumes of the first dataprocessing device (104) may be provided. Consequently, the internalconfiguration of the internal volumes of the first data processingdevice (104) may be modified. For example, electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices may be removed from and/or added to the internalvolumes. Similarly, computing devices may be added to and/or removedfrom the internal volumes.

However, in the state illustrated in FIG. 1.2, the ability of the firstdata processing device (104) to limit propagation of and/or attenuateelectromagnetic interference generated by electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices disposed within the first data processing device (104)may be compromised. In other words, the first data processing device(104) may be in an electromagnetic interference suppression compromisedstate that allows electromagnetic interference within internal volumesof the first data processing device (104) to propagate to the ambientenvironment around the first data processing device (104) withoutattenuation. In contrast, in the state illustrated in FIG. 1.1, thefirst data processing device (104) may be in an electromagneticinterference suppressed state (i.e., electromagnetic interferencegenerated by the electromagnetic interference emitting devices may becontained within the internal volumes and/or attenuated by greater than90 decibels when propagating out of the internal volumes).

In some embodiments of the invention, the first data processing device(104) automatically causes all, or a portion, of the electromagneticinterference emitting devices disposed within its internal volumes tosuspend generation of electromagnetic interference when in theelectromagnetic interference suppression compromised state illustratedin FIG. 1.2. By doing so, the first data processing device (104) mayprovide electromagnetic interference management services when the firstdata processing device (104) is in an electromagnetic interferencesuppression compromised state. All, or a portion, of the data processingdevices of a system in accordance with embodiments of the invention mayprovide similar electromagnetic interference management services.

Similar to FIG. 1.2, FIG. 1.3 shows a diagram of the example system ofFIG. 1.1 in a second configuration (i.e., after a reconfiguration fromthe configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.1) where a top door (112) of thesecond data processing device (106) has been opened after translatingthe second data processing device (106) with respect to the frame. Thetop door (112) may be all, or a portion, of the chassis that may bereversibly moved to enable access to internal volumes of the first dataprocessing device (104).

The top door (112) of, for example, the second data processing device(106) may be mounted to the frame (100) via rails that enable the seconddata processing device (106) to translate with respect to the frame(100) via application of physical force. Once translated to apredetermined location, the top door (112) may be opened by applicationof physical force by a user.

By opening the top door (112), physical access to the internal volumesof the second data processing device (106) may be provided.Consequently, the internal configuration of the internal volumes of thesecond data processing device (106) may be modified. For example,electromagnetic interference emitting devices may be removed from and/oradded to the internal volumes of the second data processing device(106). Similarly, computing devices may be added to and/or removed fromthe internal volumes of the second data processing device (106).

However, in the state illustrated in FIG. 1.3, the ability of the seconddata processing device (106) to limit propagation of and/or attenuateelectromagnetic interference generated by electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices disposed within the second data processing device (106)may be compromised. In other words, the second data processing device(106) may be in an electromagnetic interference suppression compromisedstate that allows electromagnetic interference within internal volumesof the second data processing device (106) to propagate to the ambientenvironment around the second data processing device (106) withoutattenuation. In contrast, in the state illustrated in FIG. 1.1, thefirst data processing device (104) may be in an electromagneticinterference suppressed state (i.e., electromagnetic interferencegenerated by the electromagnetic interference emitting devices may becontained within the internal volumes and/or attenuated by greater than90 decibels when propagating out of the internal volumes).

In some embodiments of the invention, the second data processing device(106) automatically causes all, or a portion, of the electromagneticinterference emitting devices disposed within its internal volumes tosuspend generation of electromagnetic interference when in theelectromagnetic interference suppression compromised state illustratedin FIG. 1.3. By doing so, the second data processing device (106) mayprovide electromagnetic interference management services when the seconddata processing device (106) is in an electromagnetic interferencesuppression compromised state. All, or a portion, of the data processingdevices of a system in accordance with embodiments of the invention mayprovide similar electromagnetic interference management services (e.g.,automatically terminating and/or resuming the electromagneticinterference generation depending on the electromagnetic interferencesuppression state of the data processing device).

Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 1.1-1.3, a system in accordance withembodiments of the invention may provide electromagnetic interferencemanagement services to devices disposed with the data processing deviceswhen the data processing devices are in an electromagnetic interferencesuppression compromised state or an electromagnetic interferencesuppressed state.

As discussed above, a system in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention may include one or more data processing devices. FIGS.2.1-2.7 show diagrams of data processing devices in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2.1 shows a diagram of the second data processing device (106) inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As discussedabove, the second data processing device (106) may provideelectromagnetic interference management services for electromagneticinterference emitting devices disposed within the second data processingdevice (106). In addition to electromagnetic interference managementservices, the second data processing device (106) may provide powermanagement services and communications services. The aforementionedservices may be provided to electromagnetic interference emittingdevices and/or computing devices and/or other types of devices disposedwithin the second data processing device (106).

To do so, the second data processing device (106) may include a chassis(198). The chassis (198) may be a structure that is mountable to aframe. By being mountable to a frame, the chassis (198) may be usable ina high density environment. For example, the chassis (198) may be a railmount chassis. The chassis (198) may be mountable via other methods(e.g., using mechanical features other than rails such as bolts, screws,pins, etc.).

The chassis (198) may include a front vent (200), a rear vent (204), asupport module (208), and a payload module (210). Each of thesecomponents of the second data processing device (106) is discussedbelow.

The front vent (200) may be a physical device for (i) enabling gas flowthrough the second data processing device (106) and (ii) limiting thepropagation of electromagnetic interference from an internal volume ofthe second data processing device (106) and/or attenuatingelectromagnetic interference that propagates from an internal volume ofthe second data processing device (106) to an ambient environment aroundthe second data processing device (106) via the front vent (200).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the front vent (200)reflects and/or attenuates electromagnetic radiation that is propagatingfrom the internal volume (214) to an ambient environment through thefront vent (200) by at least 90 decibels (or another suitable level suchas, for example, 30 decibels, 45 decibels, 60 decibels, 75 decibels,etc.). By doing so, the front vent (200) may delineate one of the wallsof the internal volume (214) to enable the internal volume (214) to beelectromagnetically suppressed and/or isolated by 90 decibels (oranother suitable level of suppression/isolation) from the ambientenvironment and/or other portions of the chassis (e.g., the supportmodule (208)).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the front vent (200) is arectangular structure formed with holes (202) that enable gasses to flowbetween the ambient environment surrounding the second data processingdevice (106) and an internal volume of the second data processing device(106). By doing so, the second data processing device (106) may providethermal management services to components disposed within the seconddata processing device (106) by controlling the flow of gasses from theambient environment through the second data processing device (106).

For example, the second data processing device (106) may be used in ahigh-density computing environment in which a source of cool gas issupplied to a first side of the second data processing device (106). Insuch an environment, the second data processing device (106) may causethe cool gas to flow into the second data processing device (106) viathe front vent (200) and exhaust gas out a second side of the seconddata processing device (106) (e.g., out of the support module (208)).Alternatively, the second data processing device (106) may cause areverse gas flow, with respect to the gas flow discussed above, if thesource of cool gas is supplied proximate to the support module (208)rather than proximate to the front vent (200).

The structure of the front vent (200) may also be adapted to limitpropagation of electromagnetic radiation through the front vent (200)and/or attenuate electromagnetic radiation that propagates through thefront vent (200). For example, the size, position, number, shape, and/orother characteristics of the holes (202) through the front vent may beadapted to (i) limit propagation of electromagnetic radiation and/or(ii) attenuate propagating electromagnetic radiation. In anotherexample, the thickness and material choice of the front vent (200) maybe adapted to (i) limit propagation of electromagnetic radiation and/or(ii) attenuate propagating electromagnetic radiation. By being soadapted, the front vent (200) may attenuate electromagnetic radiationthat propagates through the front vent (200) by at least 90 decibels oranother desirable quantity (e.g., 30 decibels, 45 decibels, 60 decibels,75 decibels, 120 decibels, etc.).

To facilitate the flow of gas between the ambient environment and theinternal volume of the second data processing device (106), the size,position, number, shape, and/or other characteristics of the holes (202)may be selected to meet gas flow requirements for thermal managementpurposes while providing electromagnetic interference suppressioncharacteristics.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the rear vent (204) issimilar to the front vent (200). For example, the rear vent (204) mayprovide similar attenuation and/or restriction of propagation ofelectromagnetic radiation while enabling gasses to flow between internalvolumes of the second data processing device. The rear vent (204) mayhave a similar structure to that of the front vent (200). However, thestructure (e.g., different hole pattern, thickness, hole type, etc.)and/or electromagnetic (e.g., attenuation and/or reflection ofelectromagnetic radiation) and/or hydrodynamic (e.g., impedance to fluidflow) characteristics of the rear vent (204) may be different from thefront vent (200) without departing from the invention.

The front vent (200) and/or the rear vent (204) may be further adaptedto facilitate obtaining of optical information from devices disposedwithin the payload module (210). The optical information may be used todetermine an optical state of the respective devices disposed within thepayload module (210) (and/or other locations within the second dataprocessing device).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the front vent (200) and/orthe rear vent (204) is adapted to facilitate obtaining of opticalinformation by including a feature that enables a portion of an opticalstate detector (discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 2.4) toextend through the respective vent while the respective vent is stillable to attenuate propagating electromagnetic radiation. The featuremay, for example, be a hole having a diameter that preventselectromagnetic radiation radiated by the devices from propagatingthrough the hole while the portion of the optical state detector isextended through the vent. The diameter may, for example, render thehole to be a sub-wavelength aperture with respect to the electromagneticradiation radiated by the devices. Consequently, the hole may notsupport propagating modes (e.g., may only support evanescent modes) forthe electromagnetic radiation that is radiated by the devices. Thefeature may be other types of structures (e.g., different structuresthat facilitate inserting a portion of an optical state detector intothe internal volume while the internal volume suppresses electromagneticinterference) without departing from the invention.

While the optical state detector has been described as extending througha vent, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the optical statedetector may extend through different structures of data processingdevices that delineate boundaries of internal volumes that suppresselectromagnetic interference without departing from the invention.

The payload module (210) may be a physical device for (i) housingelectromagnetic interference devices, (ii) limiting propagation ofelectromagnetic interference from internal volumes of the second dataprocessing device (106) to the ambient environment surrounding thesecond data processing device (106), and (iii) thermally regulatingdevices disposed within the payload module (210). For additional detailsregarding the payload module (210), refer to FIG. 2.2.

The support module (208) may be a physical device for housing devicesthat provide services to devices disposed within the payload module(210). For example, the support module (208) may house one or more powersupplies (e.g., a power system), fans (e.g., a thermal managementsystem), networking devices (e.g., a communication system), and/orcomputing devices. The aforementioned devices may provide correspondingservices to devices disposed in other portions of the second dataprocessing device (106) and/or devices located in other locations (i.e.,external to the second data processing device (106).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the support module (208)does not provide electromagnetic interference management services todevices disposed within the support module (208), in contrast to thepayload module (210). For example, the support module (208) may notintentionally isolate electromagnetic interference generated by devicesdisposed within the support module (208) from the ambient environmentsurrounding the second data processing device (106). Intentionallyisolating electromagnetic interference means that the structure of aphysical structure is adapted to provide such isolation. While manytypes of physical structures may provide some degree of electromagneticinterference isolation as an inherent consequence of their existence,the electromagnetic interference isolation is not intended. Rather, thephysical structures may exist for their other properties such asmechanical strength while providing some degree (albeit low) ofelectromagnetic interference isolation. Thus, while the support module(208) may to some degree electromagnetically separate devices disposedwithin the support module (208) from the ambient environment, thesupport module (208) does not provide electromagnetic interferencemanagement services. Providing electromagnetic interference managementservices may refer to providing at least 20 decibels of attenuation oranother suitable level of attenuation (e.g., at least 35 decibels).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, providing electromagneticinterference management services reduces the strength of electromagneticradiation by at least 20 decibels when the electromagnetic radiationpropagates from an internal volume of a data processing device to anambient environment outside of the data processing device.

The one or more power supplies may supply power to other devices. Forexample, the power supplies may provide power to electromagneticinterference emitting devices disposed within the payload module (210),other types of devices (e.g., computing device) disposed within thepayload module, and/or devices located in other areas.

The one or more power fans may provide thermal management services toother devices. For example, the fans may regulate the flow of gassesthrough the second data processing device and, consequently, manage thethermal state of electromagnetic interference emitting devices and/orother types of devices disposed in the payload module (210) and/or thesupport module (208).

The one or more power networking devices may provide communicationservices to other devices (e.g., providing network services). Forexample, the networking devices may manage network interfaces thatenables the second data processing device (106) to communicate withother devices (e.g., computing devices that may be controlling theoperation of the electromagnetic interference emitting devices).

The one or more computing devices may manage the operations of the otherentities of the second data processing device (106). For example, thecomputing devices may send messages to the electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices to perform predetermined functionality. Such messages,when received by the electromagnetic interference emitting devices maycause the electromagnetic interference emitting devices to stop and/orstart emitting electromagnetic interference (and/or perform otheractions).

The computing devices may send such instructions when (or around thetime when) the electromagnetic interference suppression state of thesecond data processing device (106) is changed (i.e., when portions ofthe second data processing device (106) are physically reconfigured).The computing devices may make such determinations based on any numberof sensors (not shown) that monitor the physical configuration of thesecond data processing device (106). The sensors may be disposed, forexample, in the payload module, on the vents, or at other locations suchthat measurements by the sensors indicate the thermal state ofcomponents of the second data processing device for which thermalmanagement services (e.g., monitoring the thermal state of componentsand taking actions such as modifying the rate of gas flow to manage thethermal state of the components) are being provided.

In another example, the computing devices may send messages to fancontrollers (not shown) or other devices that manage the operation ofgas flow control devices disposed within the second data processingdevice (106). The computing devices may send such messages based on thethermal state (i.e., temperature) of one or more devices disposed withinthe second data processing device (106). The computing devices maymonitor such thermal states using any number of sensors (not shown)and/or based on messages received from the one or more devices disposedwithin the second data processing device (106).

In response to receipt of such messages, the fan controllers or otherdevices may modify the operational state of the gas flow controldevices. By doing so, the computing devices may change the thermal stateof devices disposed within the second data processing device (106) bycontrolling the flow of gasses through the second data processing device(106).

To manage the operation of the other entities of the second dataprocessing device (106), one or more processors of the computing devicesmay execute instructions (e.g., computer code), stored on a persistentstorage, that cause the computing devices to perform all, or a portion,of the method illustrated in FIG. 3. For additional details regardingcomputing devices, refer to FIG. 5.

To further clarify aspects of embodiments of the invention, a crosssection diagram of the second data processing device (106) in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention is shown in FIG. 2.2. InFIG. 2.2, the cross section is taken along the X-Y plane illustrated inFIG. 2.1.

As seen from FIG. 2.2, the payload module (210) may include an internalvolume (214). The internal volume (214) may be used to house devicessuch as electromagnetic interference emitting devices, supports for suchdevices, and/or other devices that may provide services to theelectromagnetic interference emitting devices and/or other devices.

The internal volume (214) may be bounded, on four sides, by portions ofthe payload module (210). For example, the internal volume (214) may bebounded by a top door (212), a bottom (218), a first side (216), and asecond side (not shown). These four components of the payload module(210) may define a rectangular shape of the internal volume (214) (e.g.,may define four boundaries of the internal volume).

The internal volume (214) may be further bounded, on a fifth and sixthsize, by the front vent (200) and the rear vent (204). The front vent(200) and the rear vent (204) may be on opposite sides of the internalvolume (214). By doing so, the front vent (200) and the rear vent (204)may define a gas flow path through the payload module (210). Forexample, gasses may be able to flow from between the two vents throughthe internal volume (214).

As discussed above, the second data processing device may control gasflows disposed within the second data processing device to providethermal management services. To do so, the second data processing devicemay include a thermal management system (220). The thermal managementsystem (220) may include (i) flow control devices, (ii) temperaturesensors, and/or (iii) a controller.

The controller may operate the flow control devices based on temperatureinformation obtained from the temperature sensors and/or temperatureinformation obtained from other devices (e.g., from electromagneticinterference emitting devices). For example, the controller may increasethe flow rate of a gas flow disposed within the second data processingdevices to manage the temperature of one or more devices within apredetermined range.

The flow control devices may be, for example, fans or other types ofactive devices for controlling the flow of gasses. The thermalmanagement system (220) may include any number of flow control deviceswithout departing from the invention.

The second data processing device may also include a power system (222).The power system may provide power to any number and/or types of devicesdisposed within the second data processing device. For example, thepower system (222) may provide power to electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices disposed within the payload module (210), the thermalmanagement system (220), a communication system (224), and/or computingdevices (226).

To do so, the power system (222) may include, for example, one or morepower supplies, regulators, controllers, and/or other types ofcomponents for providing power. The aforementioned components mayidentify components to which power is to be supplied, identify aquantity of power to supply to each of the components, and/or providethe power to each of the respective components. As will be discussed ingreater detail below, the power system (222) may provide power using aninterconnect (230).

The second data processing device may further include a communicationsystem (224). The communication system (224) may provide communicationservices. As discussed above, due to the electromagnetic interferenceisolation provided by the second data processing device, componentsdisposed within the internal volume (214) may be unable to communicatewith other devices via wireless communications due to theelectromagnetic isolation provided by the internal volume (214). Tofacilitate communications between the devices disposed in the internalvolume (214) and other devices, the communication system (224) mayprovide communication services to the devices using wired connections.

To provide communication services, the communication system (224) mayinclude, for example, one or more transceivers, communicationprocessors, and/or other types of components for providing communicationservices. The aforementioned components may provide the communicationservices. The communication services may include, for example,exchanging network data units with electromagnetic interference emittingdevices (and/or other types of devices) disposed in the payload module,a computing device (226) disposed in the support module (208), and/orother devices disposed outside of the second data processing device. Bydoing so, the aforementioned devices may communicate with one anothervia information included in the exchanged network data units. A networkdata unit may be a communication supported by a communication protocolthat enables information to be transmitted. A network data unit may be,for example, a packet in the event that an internet protocol isutilized. Other types of communications protocols may be utilizedwithout departing from the invention. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, the communication system (224) may provide thecommunication services using an interconnect (230) (e.g., a wired pathfor communications purposes and/or other electrical purposes).

The computing device (226) may manage the operation of the components ofthe second data processing device. For example, the computing device(226) may manage the thermal management system (220), the power system(222), the communication system (224), and/or other components (such aselectromagnetic interference emitting devices) disposed within thesecond data processing device. To manage the other devices, thecomputing device (226) may use the communication services provided bythe communication system (224) as well as the interconnect (230).

The interconnect (230) may be a physical device for providing operableconnections between devices disposed within the second data processingdevice. The interconnect (230) may support distribution of power by thepower system (222) to any number of devices disposed within the payloadmodule (210), the support module (208), and/or other locations.

For example, the interconnect (230) may include a set of wires thatphysically interconnect devices disposed within the second dataprocessing device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the interconnect (230)facilitates distribution of power to electromagnetic interferenceemitting devices disposed within the payload module (210) while theelectromagnetic interference emitting devices are isolated. By doing so,the electromagnetic interference emitting devices may be provided powerwithout negatively impacting the operation of other devices due toelectromagnetic interference generated by the electromagneticinterference emitting devices.

To do so, the second data processing device may include a back-plane(232). The back-plane may electromagnetically isolate the interconnect(230) from the internal volume of the payload module (210). For example,the back-plane (232) may be a metal sheet of sufficient thickness toprevent electromagnetic interference from penetrating through theback-plane (232).

The back-plane (232) may include any number of feedthroughs (234). Thefeedthroughs (234) may be physical devices that enable the interconnect(230) to physically connect to any number of devices disposed within thepayload module (210).

While devices disposed in the internal volume may be controlled remotely(e.g., controlled by the computing device (226) or other types ofdevices), such control may be made by sending and receiving data to andfrom the devices. However, other types of information (other than thatprovided by the devices) may be collected from the devices disposed inthe internal volume (214). For example, optical state information (asdiscussed above) may be obtain from the devices. Such information may beused to determine an operational state (or other information) regardingthe devices that may not be present in the information provided by thedevices using the interconnect.

For example, consider a scenario where a device disposed in the internalvolume receives a request to perform an action. Performing the actionmay (i) change an operational state of the device and (ii) change anoptical state of the device. After performing the action, a request forthe operation state of the device may be obtained. However, due to anerror state of the device, the device may indicate (in response to therequest) that the device is in a second operation state that does notaccurately reflect the actual operational state of the device. Toimprove the accuracy of determining the state of devices disposed in theinternal volume (214), embodiments of the invention may provide a methodfor collecting optical information from devices disposed in the internalvolume (214). The optical information may be used to determine anoptical state of the respective devices. The optical state of therespective devices may be used to more accurately determine an actualoperational state of the respective devices (and/or determine otherinformation regarding the respective devices).

To further clarify the operation of the second data processing device,FIG. 2.3 shows a second cross section diagram, similar to that of FIG.2.2, but including electromagnetic interference emitting devices (250).In the state illustrated in FIG. 2.3, the second data processing devicemay provide electromagnetic interference suppression services,communication services, power services, and/or management services toone or more of the electromagnetic interference emitting devices (250).

To provide electromagnetic interference suppression services, the seconddata processing device may limit propagation of electromagneticradiation emitted by the electromagnetic interference emitting devices(250) to within the payload module (210). By doing so, electromagneticinterference emitting devices (250) may perform the functionality whilein high density computing environment without negatively impacting theiroperation of other devices disposed in the high density computingenvironment due to the emitted electromagnetic radiation.

To provide the communication services, power services, and/or managementservices, electromagnetic interference emitting devices (250) may beoperably connected to the power system (222), the communication system(224), and/or the computing device (226), via the interconnect (230). Bydoing so, the operation of the electromagnetic interference emittingdevices (250) may be managed by the computing device (226) and/or otherdevices operably connected to the electromagnetic interference emittingdevices (250) via the communication system (224).

As discussed above, when the electromagnetic interference emittingdevices (250) are operating, the optical states of the electromagneticinterference emitting devices (250) may change over time. For example,any of the electromagnetic interference emitting devices (250) mayinclude a display that generates optical patterns corresponding to theoperation of the respective device. As the operation of the respectivedevices changes, the optical patterns generated by the displays maychange to reflect to changed operation of the respective devices.

To obtain information regarding the optical state of the devicesdisposed in a data processing, a system in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention may include one or more optical statedetectors. FIG. 2.4 shows a side view diagram of an optical statedetector (260) in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention. The optical state detector may be used obtain an opticalstate of one or more devices disposed in a data processing device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, optical state detector(260) is a physical device adapted to obtain optical states of one ormore devices disposed in the data processing device. To do so, theoptical state detector (260) may include a controller (262) an opticalcollector (263). Each component of the optical state detector (260) isdiscussed below.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the controller (262) is aphysical device adapted to determine an optical state of the devicebased on an optical pattern obtained using an optical collector (263).For example, the controller (262) may obtain an optical pattern usingthe optical collector. The optical pattern may be based on opticalelectromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) corresponding to a device.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the optical state of thedevice is a representation of a pattern of light emitted by the device.The pattern of light emitted by the device may be emitted by a displayof the device. The optical state of the device may be, for example, animage of a display of the device. The optical state of the device may bean image of a different portion of the device without departing from theinvention. For example, in some embodiments of the invention thatoptical state may be an image of any portion of the device that may emitlight (or otherwise change its optical appearance) to conveyinformation.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the controller (262)includes an image sensor (262.4) to convert the optical pattern obtainedusing the optical collector (263) to an optical state of the device. Forexample, the image sensor (262.4) may be a charge coupled device. Theimage sensor (262.4) may be operatively connected to the opticalcollector (263) to enable the image sensor (262.4) to obtain the opticalpattern using optical collector (263).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the controller (262)includes a computing device (262.2) that orchestrates the operation ofoptical state detector (260). The computing device (262.2) may obtainone or more optical states of devices and provide the optical state ofthe devices to other entities. The other entities may control theoperation of the devices. The other entities may utilize such opticalstate information provided by the controller (262) to control theoperation of the devices. For example, the other entities may makedeterminations regarding the operational states of the devices using theoptical state information and take action (e.g., send requests to thedevices to perform predetermined functionality) based on the determinedoperational states of the devices.

The computing device (262.2) may be, for example, a mobile phone, tabletcomputer, laptop computer, desktop computer, server, embedded computer,or cloud resource. The computing device (262.2) may include one or moreprocessors, memory random access memory), and persistent storage (e.g.,disk drives, solid state drives, etc.). The persistent storage may storecomputer instructions (in addition to other data), e.g., computer code,that (when executed by the processor(s) of the computing device) causethe computing device (262.2) to perform the functions of the controller(262) described in this application and/or all, or a portion, of themethod illustrated in FIG. 3. The computing device (262.2) may be othertypes of computing devices without departing from the invention. Foradditional details regarding computing devices, refer to FIG. 5.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the functionality of thecomputing device (262.2) is performed by another device separate fromthe controller (262). For example, the functionality of the computingdevice (262.2) may be performed by a computing device (e.g., 226, FIG.2.2) disposed in the data processing device or a remote device.

The optical collector (263) may be a physical device for obtainingoptical patterns corresponding to devices. The optical collector (263)may be adapted to be disposed through a boundary of an internal volumeof a data processing device that suppresses electromagnetic interferencewithout enabling electromagnetic interference to propagate out of theinternal volume without being attenuated by a predetermined amount(e.g., 90 decibels, 35 decibels, etc.). The optical collector (263) mayfurther be adapted to obtain optical patterns from devices and providethe optical patterns to the controller (262).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the optical collector (263)does not include any conductive material. In one or more embodiments ofthe invention, the optical collector (263) does not include anysemi-conductive material. In one or more embodiments of the invention,the optical collector (263) comprises electrically insulating materials.

To provide the above noted functionality of the optical collector (263),the optical collector may include an extension (264), a director (266),and an optical pickup (268). Each of these components of the opticalcollector (263) is discussed below.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the extension (264) is aphysical structure adapted to (i) traverse a boundary of an internalvolume without facilitating propagation of electromagnetic radiationthrough the boundary and (ii) provide optical patterns obtained from theoptical pickup (268) to the controller (262). The extension (264) mayinclude one or more optical fibers. The one or more optical fibers maybe operably coupled to the optical pickup (268) on a first end and maybe operably coupled to the controller (262) on the other end. The one ormore optical fibers may enable optical patterns to be transmitted alongthe length of the extension (264).

The extension (264) may further including sheathing (not shown) and/orstructural members (not shown) for maintaining a shape of the extension(264). For example, the extension (264) may have a rod-like shape thatenables the optical pickup (268) to be disposed away from the controller(262) while being physically supported by the extension.

The director (266) may be a portion of the extension (264) thatfacilitates orienting and/or positioning of the optical pickup (268)with respect to an axis (265) of the extension (264). For example, thedirector (266) may be a portion of the extension (264) that may berotated away from an axis (265) of the extension (264). Consequently,the optical pickup (268) may be positioned and/or oriented away from theaxis (265) of the extension (264).

The optical pickup (268) may be a physical device for obtaining anoptical pattern. For example, the optical pickup (268) may include oneor more lenses that enable light emitted by the device to be capturedand/or focused onto the extension (264) in a manner that enables theoptical pattern to be transmitted along the length of the extension(264).

While the optical state detector (260) has been described andillustrated in FIG. 2.4 as including a limited number of specificcomponents, an optical state detector in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention may include additional, fewer, and/ordifferent components than those illustrated in FIG. 2.4 withoutdeparting from the invention.

As discussed above, the optical state detector (260) may be used inconjunction with and/or may be a part of a data processing device. Tofurther clarify potential uses of the optical state detector (260), FIG.2.5 shows a third cross section diagram of the second data processingdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Thecross-section diagram of FIG. 2.5 may be similar to that of FIG. 2.3,but includes the optical state detector (260).

As seen from FIG. 2.5, a first portion (e.g., the controller (262)and/or a portion of the extension (264)) of the optical state detector(260) may be disposed outside of an internal volume of the second dataprocessing device. The extension (264) may be disposed across a boundaryof the internal volume. In this example, the extension (264) is disposedthrough a hole of the front vent (200). By doing so, the extension (264)may facilitate transmission of optical patterns obtained by the opticalpickup (268), disposed inside of the internal volume, through a boundaryof the internal volume and to the controller (262).

The optical pickup (268) may be disposed proximate to one of the devicesdisposed inside of the internal volume. By doing so, the optical pickup(268) may obtain optical radiation (270) from the device to obtain anoptical pattern by focusing optical radiation (270). The obtainedoptical pattern may be transmitted to the controller (262) through theextension (264). For example, as described above, the extension (264)may include one or more optical fibers. The optical fibers may be, forexample, optical tubes that facilitate transmission of optical radiationalong the length of the optical fibers. Thus, the optical patternobtained by the optical pickup (268) may be provided to a first end ofan optical fiber, transmitted along the length of optical fiber, andprovided to the controller (262) that is coupled to a second end of theoptical fiber.

Once controller (262) obtains the optical pattern, an optical state ofthe device may be determined based on the optical pattern. For example,the controller (262) may focus the optical pattern on an image sensor toobtain a digital representation of the optical state of the device. Inother words, an image of a portion (e.g., a screen/display/light/otheroptical indicator) of the device.

The controller (262) may provide the optical state of the device to anynumber of other devices. While not illustrated in FIG. 2.5, thecontroller (262) may be operably connected to any number of otherdevices via any combination of wired and/or wireless connections. Thecontroller (262) may provide the optical state of the device to theother devices via the operable connections between the controller (262)and other devices. For example, the controller (262) may send imagefiles or other data structures representative of the optical state ofthe device to the other devices.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the controller (262) isadapted to determine the optical states of devices in response torequests for the optical states from other devices. For example, thecontroller (262) may receive a request for an optical state of devicefrom a computing device that is controlling the operation of the device.In response to receiving the request, the controller (262) may obtainoptical state of the device, as discussed above, and provide the opticalstate of the device to the computing device via an operable connectionto the computing device.

While the optical state detector (260) is illustrated in FIG. 2.5 asincluding a single optical collector to obtain an optical state of acorresponding device, an optical state detector in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention may be capable of obtaining theoptical states of any number of devices without departing from theinvention. FIGS. 2.6-2.7 show diagrams that illustrate examples of suchembodiments.

FIG. 2.6 shows a fourth cross section diagram of the second dataprocessing device in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention. The cross-section diagram of FIG. 2.6 may be similar to thatof FIG. 2.5, but includes an optical state detector that includesmultiple optical collectors.

For example, the controller (262) of the optical state detector may beoperably connected to a first optical collector (276) and a secondoptical collector (278). The aforementioned optical collectors mayfacilitate obtaining of first optical radiation (272) for a first deviceand second optical radiation (274) from a device. By doing so, theoptical state detector may be able to simultaneously obtain opticalstate information for multiple devices.

FIG. 2.7 shows a fourth cross section diagram of the second dataprocessing device in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention. The cross-section diagram of FIG. 2.7 may be similar to thatof FIG. 2.5, but includes an optical state detector that includes amultiple-optical pickup optical collector (280).

The multiple-optical pickup optical collector (280) may be an opticalcollector that includes multiple optical pickups. Each of the multipleoptical pickups may obtain optical radiation from corresponding devices.For example, a first optical pickup may obtain the first opticalradiation (272) and a second optical pickup the obtain the secondoptical radiation (274). Each of the optical pickups may provide opticalpatterns to corresponding optical fibers disposed in the extension(264). By doing so, the optical state detector may be able tosimultaneously obtain optical state information for multiple devices.

To provide the above-noted functionality of an optical state detector, adata processing device in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention may perform all or a portion of the method illustrated in FIG.3. The method illustrated in FIG. 3 may be used to operate a devicebased on optical state information of the device.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention. The method depicted in FIG. 3 may be usedto manage a device disposed in a data processing device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention. The method shown in FIG.3 may be performed completely, or in part, by, for example, dataprocessing devices (e.g., 102, FIG. 1.1). Other components of the systemillustrated in FIG. 1.1 may perform all, or a portion, of the method ofFIG. 3 without departing from the invention.

While FIG. 3 is illustrated as a series of steps, any of the steps maybe omitted, performed in a different order, additional steps may beincluded, and/or any or all of the steps may be performed in a paralleland/or partially overlapping manner without departing from theinvention.

In step 300, performance of a function of the device is initiated.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the function of the deviceis initiated by sending a message to the device requesting performanceof the function. The message may specify, for example, the function tobe performed, a duration for performing the function, parameters forperforming the function, and/or other types of information thatfacilitate performance of the function by the device. In response toreceiving the message, the device may perform the requested function.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the device is anelectromagnetic interference emitting device. For example, the devicemay be a cell phone disposed in an internal volume of the dataprocessing device that is adapted to suppress electromagneticinterference emitted by the cell phone.

In step 302, electromagnetic radiation from the device is obtained afterinitiating the performance. In one or more embodiments of the invention,electromagnetic radiation is obtained using an optical state detector.For example, the electromagnetic radiation may be obtained by obtainingan optical pattern from the device. The optical pattern may be obtainedusing an optical pickup

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the optical pattern islight emitted from the display of the device. Optical pattern may belight emitted from other portions of the device without departing fromthe invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the optical pattern istransmitted through a boundary of an internal volume of the dataprocessing device that suppresses electromagnetic interference to obtainelectromagnetic radiation. For example, a portion of the optical statedetector may be disposed through the boundary of the internal volume.The portion may be, for example, an optical fiber.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the optical state detectoris used by sending one or more messages to the optical state detector.The message may request that the optical state detector perform one ormore of its functions. For example, the computing device may send amessage to the optical state detector requesting of the optical statedetector obtain an optical state of the device. To do so, optical statedetector may obtain the electromagnetic radiation.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, electromagnetic radiationis light from the device. All or a portion of the light may be generatedby the device. All or a portion of the light may be light reflected offof the device.

In step 304, it is determined whether electromagnetic radiationindicates that the device performed the function.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the determination is basedon an optical state of the device. The optical state of the device maybe based on the electromagnetic radiation obtained in step 302. Forexample, the electromagnetic radiation may be transmitted to a collectorof the optical state detector. Once transmitted to the optical statedetector, an image sensor may generate an image based on theelectromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) as the optical state of thedevice.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the optical state of thedevice is used to determine an operational state of the device todetermine whether the device performs the function. For example,performance of the function may be associated with the predeterminedoptical state of the device. If the optical state obtained from thedevice does not match the predetermined optical state, it may bedetermined that the device did not perform the function. If the opticalstate obtained from the device does match the predetermined state, itmay be determined that device did perform the function.

If it is determined that the device performed the function, the methodmay proceed to step 306. If it is determined that the device did notperform the function, the method may proceed to step 308.

In step 306, a first action set is performed based on the performance ofthe function. In other words, the computing device orchestratingoperation of the device may perform first action set when it isdetermined that the device performed the function.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the first action set is atleast one action to be performed when the device performs the function.For example, the at least one action may be to perform a differentfunction. The at least one action may be other types of actions withoutdeparting from the invention.

The method may end following step 306.

Returning to step 304, the method may proceed to step 308 if the devicedid not perform the function.

In step 308, a section action set is performed based on thenonperformance of the function. In other words, the computing deviceorchestrating operation of the device may perform a second action setwhen it is determined that the device did not perform the function.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the second action set is atleast one action to be performed when the device does not perform thefunction. For example, the at least one action may be to repeatperformance of the function. The at least one action may be other typesof actions without departing from the invention.

The method may end following step 308.

Thus, via the method illustrated in FIG. 3, optical state informationfrom electromagnetic interference emitting devices (and/or other typesof devices) may be utilized to control the operation of theelectromagnetic interference emitting devices.

To further clarify embodiments of the invention, a non-limiting exampleis provided in FIGS. 4.1-4.2. Each of these figures may illustrate asystem similar to that of FIG. 1.1 and/or actions performed by thesystem at different points in times. For the sake of brevity, only alimited number of components of the system of FIG. 1 are illustrated ineach of FIGS. 4.1-4.2.

EXAMPLE

Consider a scenario as illustrated in FIG. 4.1 in which a device (402)is disposed in a data processing device. The data processing device mayinclude a computing device (404) that is orchestrating the operation ofthe device (402) and an optical state detector (400) that is monitoringthe optical state of the device (402).

FIG. 4.2 shows a diagram of actions performed by the aforementionedentities over a period of time. At a first point in time, the computingdevice (404) sends a message requesting that the device (402) display afirst picture (420). In response to receiving the message, the device(402) identifies the first picture in its persistent storage anddisplays the first picture on its display. To do so, the device (402)modifies the display to show the first picture (422). For example, thedevice (402) may change the color and/or intensity of light emitted bypixels of the display to cause the display to present representation ofthe first picture.

However, due to an unexpected occurrence with respect to the operationof the device (402), the color of the light emitted by the pixels of thedisplay does not correspond to the first picture (420). Thus, theoptical state of the device (402) differs from the predetermined opticalstate of the device (402) when the display of the device (402) emitslight of any color and intensity corresponding to the first picture(420).

While the device (402) displays the first picture, the optical statedetector (400) obtains light from the display (424). To do so, theoptical state detector (400) obtains light emitted by the display whilethe first picture is being displayed. The light is transmitted to acontroller of the optical state detector (400) through boundary of aninternal volume that electromagnetically isolates the device (402) fromthe optical state detector (400), the computing device (404), and/orother devices (not shown).

Using the obtained light from the display, the optical state detector(400) generates an image based on the light. For example, the light maybe directed onto an image sensor such as a charge coupled device. Inresponse to receiving the light, the image sensor may generate a digitalrepresentation of the light. By doing so, the generated image based onthe light may represent an optical state of the device (402). Forexample, the image may reflect the light emitted from the display of thedevice (402).

After generating the image, the optical state detector (400) providesthe image based on the light (426) to the computing device (404). Bydoing so, the computing device (404) may be informed of optical state ofthe device (402).

Using the image, the computing device (404) identifies a differencebetween the first picture in the image (428). As noted above, due to theunexpected occurrence, the optical state of the device (402) displayingthe first picture (422) did not correspond to the predetermined opticalstate associated with the first picture (420).

Because the computing device (404) identify the difference between thefirst picture in the image (428), the computing device (404) determinesthat a second action set associated with improper operation of thedevice (402) should be performed. The second action set includes displayof a second picture (430) by the device (402). To cause the device (402)to display the second picture (430), the computing device (404) sends arequest to the device (402) to display the second picture (430).

End of Example

Thus, as illustrated by the example described with respect to FIGS.4.1-4.2, the data processing device in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention may utilize the optical states devicesdisposed within the computing device to determine functionality of thedevices to invoke. By doing so, the data processing device may moreaccurately determine an operational state of the devices and,consequently, more effectively invoke the functionality of the devicesfor a predetermined purpose.

As discussed above, embodiments of the invention may be implementedusing computing devices. FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a computing device inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The computingdevice (500) may include one or more computer processors (502),non-persistent storage (504) (e.g., volatile memory, such as randomaccess memory (RAM), cache memory), persistent storage (506) (e.g., ahard disk, an optical drive such as a compact disk (CD) drive or digitalversatile disk (DVD) drive, a flash memory, etc.), a communicationinterface (512) (e.g., Bluetooth interface, infrared interface, networkinterface, optical interface, etc.), input devices (510), output devices(508), and numerous other elements (not shown) and functionalities. Eachof these components is described below.

In one embodiment of the invention, the computer processor(s) (502) maybe an integrated circuit for processing instructions. For example, thecomputer processor(s) may be one or more cores or micro-cores of aprocessor. The computing device (500) may also include one or more inputdevices (510), such as a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, microphone,touchpad, electronic pen, or any other type of input device. Further,the communication interface (512) may include an integrated circuit forconnecting the computing device (500) to a network (not shown) (e.g., alocal area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as theInternet, mobile network, or any other type of network) and/or toanother device, such as another computing device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the computing device (500) mayinclude one or more output devices (508), such as a screen (e.g., aliquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, touchscreen, cathode raytube (CRT) monitor, projector, or other display device), a printer,external storage, or any other output device. One or more of the outputdevices may be the same or different from the input device(s). The inputand output device(s) may be locally or remotely connected to thecomputer processor(s) (502), non-persistent storage (504), andpersistent storage (506). Many different types of computing devicesexist, and the aforementioned input and output device(s) may take otherforms.

Embodiments of the invention may provide a method, system, and devicefor managing electromagnetic interference. A system in accordance withembodiments of the invention may manage electromagnetic interference ata data processing device level. That is, such devices may includefunctionality to limit the propagation of electromagnetic interferencefrom within data processing devices to an ambient environmentsurrounding the data processing device. By doing so, such dataprocessing devices may be used in a high-density environment withoutnegatively impacting the functionality of the high-density environment.

A data processing device in accordance with embodiments of the inventionmay enable the optical states of devices disposed within the dataprocessing device to be determined while suppressing electromagneticinterference generated by the devices. To do so, the data processingdevice may include an optical state detector that obtains optical statesof the devices. To obtain the optical states the devices, optical statedetector may obtain optical radiation from the devices, transmit theoptical radiation through boundary of an internal volume in which thedevices are disposed, and generate the optical states of the devicesbased on the optical radiation. Such information may be used to moreeffectively control the operation of the devices by determining anoperational state of the devices with a higher degree of accuracy indetermining the operational state of the devices without having accessto optical state information associated with the devices.

Thus, embodiments of the invention may address the problemelectromagnetic interference within a high-density environment.Specifically, embodiments of the invention may provide a data processingdevice level solution that facilitates granular control ofelectromagnetic interference in the aforementioned environments whilealso enabling optical state information for the aforementioned devicesto be obtained.

The problems discussed above should be understood as being examples ofproblems solved by embodiments of the invention disclosed herein and theinvention should not be limited to solving the same/similar problems.The disclosed invention is broadly applicable to address a range ofproblems beyond those discussed herein.

One or more embodiments of the invention may be implemented usinginstructions executed by one or more processors of the data managementdevice. Further, such instructions may correspond to computer readableinstructions that are stored on one or more non-transitory computerreadable mediums.

While the invention has been described above with respect to a limitednumber of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit ofthis disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devisedwhich do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data processing device, comprising: an internalvolume that is electromagnetic interference (EMI) isolated; and anoptical state detector adapted to: obtain electromagnetic radiation fromthe internal volume while the internal volume is EMI isolated; and makea determination that a device disposed in the internal volume has anoptical state associated with the electromagnetic radiation.
 2. The dataprocessing device of claim 1, wherein the optical state detector isadapted to obtain the electromagnetic radiation while a first portion ofthe optical state detector is disposed outside of the internal volumeand a second portion of the optical state detector is disposed inside ofthe internal volume.
 3. The data processing device of claim 2, whereinthe first portion and the second portion are physically connected by athird portion that traverses a boundary of the internal volume.
 4. Thedata processing device of claim 1, wherein the optical state isassociated with a pattern of light emitted by the device.
 5. The dataprocessing device of claim 4, wherein the pattern of the light isemitted by a display of the device.
 6. The data processing device ofclaim 4, wherein the optical state is associated with performance of afunction of the device.
 7. The data processing device of claim 1,further comprising: a computing device programmed to: initiateperformance of a function of the device; obtain, using the optical statedetector, the optical state; make a second determination that theoptical state indicates that the device performed the function of thedevice in a predetermined manner; and perform a first action set basedon the second determination.
 8. The data processing device of claim 7,wherein the computing device is further programmed to: initiateperformance of a second function of the device; obtain, using theoptical state detector, a second optical state of the device afterinitiating performance of the second function; make a thirddetermination that the second optical state indicates that the deviceperformed the second function of the device in a non-predeterminedmanner; and perform a second action set based on the thirddetermination.
 9. The data processing device of claim 7, wherein theoptical state is obtained using an image of the device provided by theoptical state detector.
 10. The data processing device of claim 9,wherein the image comprises a representation of a display of the device.11. The data processing device of claim 1, wherein the optical statedetector comprises: an optical collector; and a controller adapted toreceive the electromagnetic radiation via the optical collector.
 12. Thedata processing device of claim 11, wherein the optical collectorcomprises: an optical pickup adapted to obtain the electromagneticradiation; and an extension adapted to: traverse a boundary of theinternal volume; and suppress transmission of EMI through the boundary;and


13. The data processing device of claim 12, wherein the extension doesnot comprise electrically conductive material.
 14. The data processingdevice of claim 12, wherein the extension does not comprise metal. 15.The data processing device of claim 12, wherein the extension comprisesan optical fiber.
 16. The data processing device of claim 15, whereinthe optical fiber is operably coupled to the optical pickup and thecontroller.
 17. A method for managing electromagnetic interference(EMI), comprising: obtaining electromagnetic radiation from a device,disposed in an internal volume of a data processing device, while theinternal volume is EMI isolated and after the device performs afunction; making a determination that the device disposed in theinternal volume has an optical state associated with the electromagneticradiation; and performing a first action set based on the determination,wherein the electromagnetic radiation is obtained through a boundary ofthe internal volume.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:obtaining second electromagnetic radiation from the device, disposed inthe internal volume of the data processing device, while the internalvolume is EMI isolated and after the device performs a second function;make a second determination that the device disposed in the internalvolume has a second optical state associated with the secondelectromagnetic radiation; and performing a second action set based onthe second determination, wherein the second electromagnetic radiationis obtained through the boundary of the internal volume.
 19. Anon-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions thatwhen executed by a data processing device cause the data processingdevice to perform a method for managing electromagnetic interference(EMI), the method comprising: obtaining electromagnetic radiation from adevice, disposed in an internal volume of a data processing device,while the internal volume is EMI isolated and after the device performsa function; making a determination that the device disposed in theinternal volume has an optical state associated with the electromagneticradiation; and performing a first action set based on the determination,wherein the electromagnetic radiation is obtained through a boundary ofthe internal volume.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 19, wherein the method further comprises: obtaining secondelectromagnetic radiation from the device, disposed in the internalvolume of the data processing device, while the internal volume is EMIisolated and after the device performs a second function; make a seconddetermination that the device disposed in the internal volume has asecond optical state associated with the second electromagneticradiation; and performing a second action set based on the seconddetermination, wherein the second electromagnetic radiation is obtainedthrough the boundary of the internal volume, wherein the first actionset comprises a first set of actions, the second action set comprises asecond set of actions, and the first set of actions is different thanthe second set of actions.